Review of Die for Me by Amy Plum

Release Date: May 10, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 341 pages
Author Website: Amy Plum
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC from the Publisher through NetGalley

Goodreads Summary: My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything. Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.

Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind. While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love?

Review:  After the tragic death of their parents, Kate and her older sister, Georgia, move from Brooklyn to Paris to live with their grandparents. The sisters handle their sadness in different ways. Georgia surrounds herself with friends and parties a lot, telling Kate that when she is out, she does not have to think about what happened. Kate, on the other hand, cuts herself off from everyone and drowns herself in depression and books. It’s only after she meets Vincent that she slowly starts coming back to life and feeling somewhat normal again.

I have read some other reviews that say Die for Me, Amy Plum’s debut novel, is a lot like other YA paranormal romances out there and in some ways, it does share similarities. However, the story’s unique elements and good writing makes this novel memorable and stand out from the rest.

Kate’s character is likable. Her sadness over her parents’ death feels so real. It deeply affects her life and her ability to get into a quick relationship with Vincent. Even though they are attracted to each other when they meet, Kate and Vincent do get to know each other before there are any declarations of love. Both characters have emotional baggage and I appreciate that. The secondary characters are well written and I see a lot of potential for them in upcoming novels.

The paranormal element is very cool and I really love the fight scenes. They were bloody and well played. Romance lovers will adore this book and I am looking forward to the sequel, Until I Die.

Content: Violence, kissing, references to sex